The Mini-Oxford Cognitive Screen (Mini-OCS): a very brief cognitive screen for use in chronic stroke

IntroductionThere is currently no dedicated cognitive screen for chronic stroke survivors, with primary care and community settings currently using dementia tools which often do not take into account post-stroke impairments. We aimed to standardise, norm, and psychometrically validate the Mini-Oxford Cognitive Screen (Mini-OCS), a very brief (<8 minute) cognitive screen for use in chronic stroke. MethodsData for 464 chronic stroke survivors on the OCS were analysed to determine the possibility of a short form. Theoretical and statistical choices were made to adapt the short form. The newly ‘Mini-OCS’ was then completed by 164 neurologically healthy controls (Mage = 68.66(SD=12.18), Myrs of education 15.40(SD=3.64), & 61% Female), and 89 chronic stroke survivors (Mage = 69.86(SD=14.83), Myrs education = 14.29(SD=4.01), 45% Female,, Mdays since stroke = 597.02(SD=881.12), 79% ischaemic, 49% R hemisphere, & Median NIHSS = 6.50(IQR=4-11)) . Additionally, we administered an extended neuropsychological battery and cognitive screening, as well as the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living scale. We evaluated reliability and construct validity. ResultsNormative data for the Mini-OCS is provided and known-group discrimination demonstrates increased sensitivity in the memory and executive function domains compared to the OCS. The Mini-OCS further met all appropriate benchmarks for evidence of reliability and validity for each of the subtasks.Discussion and ConclusionThe Mini-OCS was developed as a standardised, stroke-specific cognitive screening tool with good psychometric properties for use in a chronic stroke population. The Mini-OCS is quick to administer and highlights cognitive strengths and weaknesses.